Shri Bhaktajaneswarar Temple, also called Thirunavalur Temple, is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva in the village of Thirunavalur, Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu. Here, Shiva is worshipped as Bhaktajaneswarar in the form of a lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Manonmani Amman. The temple is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva work, the Tevaram, composed by the Nayanmars, and it is a revered Paadal Petra Sthalam closely associated with the saint Sundarar.
The temple complex spans two acres, surrounded by concentric rectangular walls. Within these walls are numerous shrines, with the prominent ones dedicated to Bhaktajaneswarar, Manonmani Amman, and Ranganathar. Daily rituals are conducted three times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the temple’s calendar is filled with annual festivals. Sundarar Janana in Aavani and Sundarar Guru Poojai in Aadi are the most significant events, attracting large gatherings of devotees.
Legends suggest the temple was formed over eons around a "Naval" tree, leading to the village name Navalur. Another tale tells of Shiva swallowing Sukra, who then returned to life and was installed as a planetary deity. The site is also associated with the sage Adisesha regaining his original color and with various deities like Brahma worshipping here during different Yugas, highlighting its historical and mythological significance.
The original structure is believed to date back to ancient times, with additions by the Cholas, Pallavas, and others. Inscriptions from Parantaka I's reign mention the presence of multiple Shiva temples and a Vishnu temple in the area. The Bhaktajaneswarar temple, formerly built of brick, was later converted to stone. Records also indicate battles and historical events tied to the Rashtrakutas and Chola emperors, reflecting the temple’s rich architectural and cultural history. Today, it is managed by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.